There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 1 Corinthians 12:4
I sort of thought once I was an adult, some of that middle school comparison mentality would magically disappear. Instead it seems it morphs into different areas. We waste time comparing our kids, our husbands, our material possessions, and our spiritual gifts.
Why her? Why does she deserve the bigger house, the newer car, the perfect kids, the career we want, etc?
John 21 tells us about Jesus working a miracle by filling Simon Peter’s fishing net. Jesus later tells Simon Peter three times to take care of and feed His sheep. He also shares with Simon Peter that he’s going to die in a way that glorifies God. True to human form, Simon Peter looks at the guy next to him and asks Jesus, “What about him?” Jesus basically responds with, “What’s it to ya?” Touché
What’s it to ya indeed. Who are we to question God and the blessings he bestows on others?
Wouldn’t we all love to have an amazing singing voice? To speak eloquently and write words that flow like magic across the pages? To always whip up mouth watering food?
We’ve all been blessed with our own unique gifts that were meant to glorify The King. There’s no point in focusing our attention on someone else’s blessings and abilities. We need to use that energy to improve our own abilities and feed and care for His sheep, however we’ve been called to do so.
I imagine we look like a child who has just received his birthday gift. It’s the exact bicycle that he requested and his parents are excited to see the smile on his face when he finally lays eyes on it. But instead what they hear is, “You got me the red one? I wanted the blue one!” Tears, feet stomping, and an ungrateful attitude follows suit. Tantrums aren’t cute on anyone, but even less so when it’s over a gift.
The next time those thoughts begin to taunt you – and you know they will – give them the same message Jesus would. “What’s it to ya?” and make a wise choice to refocus that energy into the blessings and gifts you do have, even if it means starting with the basics; food, shelter, and family. Don’t ever lose sight of the best blessing and gift of all. Salvation.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Great post. I have felt that way so many times. I love the perspective, thanks for sharing!! I will keep this in mind next time those plaguing thoughts creep in.
Great post!
I don’t find myself begrudging others the gift they have been given, but questioning what mine IS. I’ve been praying about this, and it’s all I know to do.
I do find that I have a great need to help others, but lack the means. hmmm….
Ang
I can relate to that! I too want to help people and have so many ideas but no funds for it. Figuring out your gifts can be a challenge. Ask your closest friends. They’ll usually have an idea and give you a jumping off point to explore.
I needed to hear this lesson this morning, I am faced with the same thing in a way, trading in what I was asked or given the opportunity to do to help someone else. I haven’t done this yet , but it was causing the yellow light to flash ” warning”. Thank you, A friend may have the same gift as I do but is focusing it in a different direction I am. We all have our strengths. Thank you.
Debi recently posted..Chapter four Innocence lost- part one
Thanks for the post, I struggle with this a lot.
What a great subject to touch on, Mel. I can totally relate, but as I get older I realize there’s always going to be someone who has just a little more, does things just a little better, etc., but we’re to do the very best we can with the blessings we have.
Thanks so much for this, and have a great day!
Debbie
Debbie Dillon recently posted..Invest in Moments
So true! I think it’s an inherent lack of self-confidence on my part, that even when I’ve really “arrived”, I always worried that I haven’t arrived far enough because someone else has done better. And then I start thinking, “Does God approve of them more?”
I’m not sure why we think Christianity is a contest, like a beauty pageant, and the prize only goes to the winner. God says the last shall come first. It isn’t about having all the glory or being jealous of someone else–even if that jealousy does flow out of insecurity.
So thanks for the reminder!
Sheila Gregoire recently posted..Wifey Wednesday- Use It Or Lose It
That’s a good question Sheila, “Does God approve of them more?” I don’t know why we think it’s a contest either. Love the name of your blog!
Great post! I thought when I became an adult I would have out grown this childish behavior. But nope, still have to work on it!
Well the earlier post has a happy ( in my opinion ) ending. Shes going her way I’m going mine. (if you notice a difference in the blog addy , this is the one I write more on) Thanks Mel for your posts.
Debi recently posted..Unplugged equals connecting to
I’m so glad it was resolved in a good way for both of you. Sometimes it’s hard to team up, especially when it comes to writing. Looking forward to your blog posts 🙂
Something I’m slowly starting to learn – thanks for this important reminder!
“Tantrums aren’t cute on anyone, but even less so when it’s over a gift.” Wow, that’s pretty powerful! Well said!
Just me recently posted..Where are you going
Another great post! I LOVED the illustration of the kid receiving the “wrong” color bike! Makes me wonder just how many times I DO act like that toward God about some things – YIKES! My toes are properly stepped on. Thank you very much for the reminder 🙂
Kathryn Champion recently posted..COMPLAINING ALL THE WAY TO MY BLESSING
LOL You’re welcome! Just remember when I write these things, I’m writing to myself too 🙂 LOL
Allow me to stand up and cheer for this post. Much like your blog on the lady assuming your child was simply throwing a tantrum, we do ourselves and others a great injustice by comparing.
Its human tendency (well, that ‘s no excuse!) to look at what others have and feel a pinch of what we don’t…But it becomes more painful when our one own’s blessing does not come our way and other person has everything he/she might never even had imagined or asked for,,,,
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